22 Jun 2017

How Scriptures Helps Me Overcome Anxiety and Insecurity

Most of my life I have struggled with anxiety and insecurity. There were days, if I could get myself out of bed, I would not leave my home afraid of what evil or injury may befell me. Honestly, there are still days my Germaphobia paralyzes me at the entrance of a building afraid to touch the door handle or hinders me from even shaking people's hands. When fear is not wrestling with me insecurity is. Unsure of my abilities and fear of failing has left many a dream incomplete or unfulfilled.

Discovering the Word of God has been this empowering gift! While I continue to battle my fears and phobias, the Scriptures have given me strength that nothing else was able to. I can stand on the Word of God to battle those demons that threaten to steal my joy and derail the plans God has for me. Listening to Jesus in the Gospels teaches me how to trust in Him, have hope and discover that I am loved beyond measure. Those battles that have lost in the past are now squished beneath the weight of the truth the Scriptures speak to my heart.

18 May 2017

I cannot think of anything more difficult for my ADHD brain then the sustained mental focus sometimes required to pray. The good news is prayer comes in many forms and these 5 strategies are sure to help you engage in meaningful prayer - whether you have an attention disorder or not!

Here are some of my tried and true methods for conversing with God even when I am completely out of focus.

Walk and Talk

Two Years ago I was struck with this crazy inspiration to get my butt outside to pray the Rosary. Uncomfortable walking the streets alone, I decided to encircle my home. This was made easy, in my mind anyway, because I live on a fork-in-the-road and have a driveway that connects the two streets. I am only on grass when I traverse my backyard. Around and around I go, praying the rosary, talking with God, the Blessed Mother, my Guardian Angel and whoever else in Heaven (or Purgatory) will listen.

The practice has become so much more than I ever anticipated it to be. The exercise has helped me drop some weight. The lack of distractions (ie phone, computer, housework) has made for some of the most connected prayer times ever. There have been more than a few explained "wow" moments involving passing cars, butterflies and even Mack Trucks!

18 Apr 2017

My Ad/hd went diagnosed throughout my childhood and young adulthood. Unfortunately, that resulted in some major self-esteem issues, among other things we'll be discussing in this series in the weeks to come. The realization that I was blessed (and it is a blessing) with Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder came in my early thirties when I was a young mother and an early childhood educator. My oldest was showing signs of Ad/hd so I began researching to learn more about the signs and symptoms. I started with the book, Driven to Distraction by Ed Hallowell, in audio version on cassette from the library. Clue number one this wasn't just about my son should have been my reliance on audio books to finish books as staying focused reading has always been one of my biggest challenges.

I will never forget having to pull over and rewind the cassette to re-listen to Dr. Hallowell list the 15 possible symptoms of Ad/hd. I took out a scrap piece of paper from my purse and counted up, not my son's symptoms, but mine! At that time, I could identify presently displaying or having displayed 13 of the 15! I was shocked. Believe it or not, it had never even crossed my mind that I had Ad/hd. That is the day I became an expert, literally.

For More on What Will be Covered in this New Series visit: RECONCILED TO YOU All Rights Reserved, Allison Gingras 2017

18 Jul 2011

" My people are ruined because they don't know what is right or true." Hosea 4:6

Be honest. How often do you read your Bible? Do you meditate on the scriptures so that they become written on your heart? While it is difficult to find time to read God's Word, it's so important. We need the Word so much on the inside of us that there's no room for anything else.

This verse from Hosea really says a lot. If we don't know what we believe... if we don't know what is right and wrong .... how will we ever be able to live a life in Christ? When we are faced with an ethical dilemma, we need God's guidance in our life. His Word is full of wisdom and guidance, but if we don't know it, it doesn't do a lot of good.

Neglecting the Word of God is like having a road map to where you are going and never bothering to look at it for direction.

So get out your road map to life and dive into God's Word today and everyday. He will help us to make the best decisions at home and at work. He not only knows the way, He is the Way.